veto

1[countable,uncountable]the right to refuse to allow something to be done, especially the right to stop a law from being passed or a decision from being takenThe British government used its veto to block the proposal.to have the power/right of vetothe use of the presidential veto

2[countable]veto (on something/on doing something)an occasion when somebody refuses to allow something to be donesynonymbanFor months there was a veto on employing new staff.

Word Originearly 17th cent.: from Latin, literally

‘I forbid’

, used by Roman tribunes of the people when opposing measures of the Senate.Extra examplesThe President hasn’t yet used his veto pen.The Senate voted to override the president’s veto.The agreement became possible when Spain lifted its veto.The board can exercise its veto to prevent the decision.The nobles had a virtual veto against peasant candidates.The opposition parties effectively have a veto on constitutional reform.a veto over all political appointmentsThe Ministry of Defence has the power of veto over all arms exports.The president has a veto on/​over all political appointments.